Rates & water pensioner concessions
Pensioner concession or rebate pensioner concession cardholders can claim rebates on their general rates, domestic waste, water and sewerage charges (under Section 575 of the Local Government Act, 1993).
People who hold a Pensioner Concession Card who own and occupy a rateable property are eligible for a pensioner concession.
Section 575 of the Local Government Act 1993 provides for a pensioner rebate of:
- up to 50% of ordinary rates, to a maximum of $250
- up to 50% of water supply rates, to a maximum of $87.50, and
- up to 50% of sewerage rates, to a maximum of $87.50
Under the state's existing mandatory Pensioner Concession Scheme, the State Government reimburses the Council 55% of the pensioner concession. The Council funds the remaining 45%.
Eligibility criteria
To be an eligible pensioner, you must:
- receive a pension from either Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs and be entitled to a pensioner concession card or Gold Card issued by the Commonwealth Government - you will need to show this as proof of entitlement before gaining a pension rebate
- live principally in that property (you can only claim a concession on the property if it is the sole or principal place you live)
- own the dwelling for which a concession is sought
- become eligible or cease to be eligible during the year (you will be granted a concession proportionate to the number of full quarters in which you were eligible)
Where eligible pensioners share ownership with non-eligible pensioners, the amount of concession will also be determined by the proportionate equity in the property.
Apply for a rebate
Application-for-a-pensioner-concession-on-your-rates-form.pdf(PDF, 159KB)
Forms are also available at each council office.